Jaromir Jagr Is Now With New Jersey Devils: It Was Inevitable For Both Sides

By Tim Nikolouzos

Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Former Boston Bruins winger Jaromir Jagr has agreed to a one-year deal with theNew Jersey Devils. After speculation this summer about where he will end up, Jagr has made up his mind to go to New Jersey. Reports in the past week have heavily indicated that the Devils were the team he would likely sign with. The deal will be officially announced tomorrow by the organization. Currently, the value of the contract is undisclosed. However, it is likely that the deal will be for $4 million.

It was inevitable that the two parties would come to an agreement. The Devils were without their best player, Ilya Kovalchuk, thanks to his rash and sudden decision to leave the NHL and play in Russia for more money. With the Devils hanging by a thread, they needed to make a move. Jagr was without a team after being let go by Boston. He did not have consistency there and, combined with the desire for the Bruins to move into a different, more youth focused direction, the Bruins did not want to bring him back. Thus, both parties of this contract needed each other, at least for one season.

Jagr still has plenty left in the tank for the Devils to take advantage of. He did not have a great playoffs, but his regular season play was solid with 16 goals in 45 games in addition to 19 assists last season. The team plays a similar style of play that Jagr is used to and will be able to fit in well. He is physical, can hold the puck well and has loads of experience under his belt.

Tim N. is a Boston Bruins writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @timnikolou